Best Upscale Paleo Restaurants in Carroll Gardens | Upscale & Paleo

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Paleo Restaurants in Carroll Gardens | Upscale & Paleo

• Cotra — Korean · rated 5/5: Cotra pulses with a modern energy, offering a sophisticated yet playful sanctuary where traditional Japanese flavors are reimagined through bold, inventive small plates. The air hums with the sizzle of mochiko chicken and the smoky aroma of blistered harissa-miso shishitos, inviting guests to linger over umami-rich treasures like shio koji shrimp toast and jewel-toned Hokkaido dons. This sensory journey balances the savory crunch of okonomi fried potatoes with the delicate brightness of sun-dried tomato edamame, creating an unforgettable tapestry of contemporary tastes.
• Clover Club — American · rated 5/5: Stepping into this sophisticated sanctuary feels like a journey back to the golden age of cocktail culture, where plush leather banquettes and the warm glow of a crackling fireplace invite long, spirited evenings. The kitchen elevates classic parlor fare into an art form, pairing chilled oysters and silken steak tartare with the comforting crunch of crispy Brussels sprouts and the rich, savory depth of a prime beef burger. It is a place where timeless elegance meets the vibrant energy of a modern neighborhood haunt, perfect for lingering over small plates or a celebratory plate of steak frites.
• Panzerotti Bites — Italian · rated 5/5: This vibrant spot celebrates the golden, crispy artistry of Pugliese street food, where the irresistible aroma of dough frying to a perfect crunch invites you into a world of savory, handheld delights. Each handcrafted pocket yields to a molten heart of gooey cheese and rich fillings, ranging from the classic simplicity of tomato and mozzarella to sophisticated layers of earthy porcini, silky mortadella, or zesty artichokes. It is a warm, sensory journey to the sun-drenched streets of Southern Italy, offering a comforting bite of tradition in every steam-filled turnover.
• Travel Bar — American · rated 5/5: Travel Bar invites guests on a flavorful journey where the warmth of a neighborhood local meets a curated selection of global comfort classics. The air hums with conversation as friends share bountiful meat and cheese boards and vibrant Mediterranean plates, or tuck into smoky pulled pork sandwiches and iconic, crispy-crust pizza slices. It is a soulful, eclectic retreat where every dish, from the creamy spinach artichoke dip to a nostalgic hot dog, celebrates the simple joy of a well-traveled palate in a relaxed, communal setting.
• Fish Tales — Seafood · rated 5/5: This breezy seafood sanctuary captures the essence of a coastal getaway, where the air is seasoned with the savory aroma of toasted herbs and briny, ocean-fresh treasures. Guests linger over chilled platters of zesty calamari salad and golden-crusted clams oreganata, or find comfort in steaming, velvety bowls of chowder that taste of the salt-sprayed Atlantic. From the delicate sear of premium tuna to the crisp, citrusy brightness of shrimp and avocado, every plate serves as a vibrant tribute to the ocean’s timeless bounty.
• Savelli — Italian · rated 5/5: Savelli captures the soulful essence of a modern Italian kitchen, where the golden crunch of savory rice balls and the rich, nostalgic aroma of slow-simmered meatballs create an immediate sense of home. The experience centers on artfully plated shared treasures, from delicate zucchini soufflés and silky beef carpaccio to vibrant octopus salads that sing with Mediterranean freshness. It is a place where time slows down over overflowing boards of artisanal cheeses and chilled wine, offering a refined yet deeply comforting escape for the spirited diner.
• Nili — Middle Eastern · rated 5/5: Nili invites guests into a sun-drenched, airy sanctuary where the vibrant aromas of zesty harissa and earthy chickpeas set the stage for a soulful, Mediterranean-inspired escape. The table becomes a canvas of texture and color, featuring velvety swirls of sweet potato hummus, smoky babaganoush, and golden-grilled halloumi tucked into artisanal bread for a dining experience that feels both effortlessly sophisticated and deeply comforting.
• The Meat Hook — American · rated 5/5: This bustling neighborhood hub celebrates the art of the butcher, where the aroma of seared grass-fed beef and freshly baked bread fills a space dedicated to ethical, nose-to-tail sourcing. Towering sandwiches showcase the richness of heritage breed pork and pasture-raised lamb, layered with sharp New York State cheeses and vibrant organic produce for a meal that feels both ruggedly authentic and meticulously curated. A cold craft beer provides the perfect finish to this vibrant celebration of local agriculture and artisanal craft.
• Rua Thai — Thai · rated 4.8/5: Rua Thai invites guests into a vibrant sanctuary where the air hums with the fragrance of bruised lemongrass, pungent galangal, and the intoxicating sizzle of woks in motion. Each dish is a masterclass in balance, layering the fiery kick of bird’s eye chilies against the cooling creaminess of coconut milk and the bright, citrusy snap of fresh lime. From the soul-warming depth of slow-simmered curries to the crisp, herbaceous crunch of street-inspired specialties, the experience captures the spirited energy and timeless elegance of authentic Thai cooking.
• Mazzat — Mediterranean · rated 4.8/5: Mazzat captures the sun-drenched spirit of the Mediterranean, welcoming diners into a warm, aromatic space where the sizzle of the grill meets the bright tang of citrus and fresh herbs. Tables overflow with vibrant small plates and succulent, flame-kissed meats, inviting a communal feast that celebrates the timeless art of coastal hospitality.
• Big Tiny — American · rated 4.7/5: This intimate neighborhood haunt radiates a cozy charm, where the warm glow of amber lights and the hum of lively conversation create a sanctuary for elevated American comfort. The kitchen breathes new life into nostalgic classics, serving up golden-crusted staples and juice-dripping burgers that celebrate bold, soulful flavors in a space that feels like a well-kept secret shared among friends.
• Saint Julivert Fisherie — Seafood · rated 4.7/5: Stepping into this intimate, candlelit corner of Cobble Hill feels like discovering a hidden maritime treasure where the briny scent of freshly shucked oysters mingles with the vibrant energy of a bustling open kitchen. Global inspirations come alive through artfully composed small plates of salt-cured delicacies and perfectly charred seafood, inviting guests to linger over chilled glasses of wine in a space that radiates the sun-drenched charm of a Mediterranean escape.
• Petite Crevette — French · rated 4.7/5: Stepping into this intimate bistro feels like discovering a hidden corner of the French coast, where the air is perfumed with garlic, browned butter, and the briny promise of the sea. Rustic wooden accents and flickering candlelight set the stage for an evening of soulful seafood classics, where every bite of velvety bisque or salt-crusted fish captures the simple, timeless elegance of a seaside escape.
• Swoony's — American · rated 4.7/5: Swoony’s invites guests into a polished yet soulful sanctuary where the warm glow of amber lighting dances across leather banquettes and the air hums with the convivial energy of a neighborhood gem. The kitchen breathes new life into American classics, turning out succulent, wood-fired proteins and refined comfort dishes that balance nostalgic flavors with sophisticated, modern technique. Every visit feels like a curated celebration of the timeless bistro experience, where effortless charm and culinary heart take center stage.
• Table 87 Coal Oven Pizza — Italian · rated 4.6/5: The warm glow of the coal-fired hearth serves as the centerpiece of this bustling eatery, where the scent of charred crust and simmering tomato sauce invites guests into a world of artisanal craftsmanship. Every slice emerges from the intense heat with a signature blistered crunch, topped with velvety mozzarella and fresh basil to create a rustic, flavor-forward experience that celebrates the timeless tradition of the perfect pie.
• Marco Polo Ristorante — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Stepping into Marco Polo Ristorante feels like a journey to a refined Roman villa, where the warm glow of candlelight dances across white linens and the air is thick with the savory perfume of roasting garlic and fresh herbs. The kitchen honors tradition through silken ribbons of house-made pasta tossed in rich, soulful ragus and vibrant coastal flavors that sing of the Italian seaside. It is a sanctuary of conviviality, where the clink of wine glasses and the artful presentation of each plate invite diners to linger over a true celebration of the Mediterranean spirit.
• Cafe Chili — Thai · rated 4.6/5: Cafe Chili invites guests into a vibrant sanctuary where the air hums with the sizzle of woks and the intoxicating fragrance of lemongrass and sweet Thai basil. Each plate is a masterclass in balance, layering the searing heat of sun-dried chilies against the cooling richness of coconut milk and the bright, citrusy snap of fresh lime. From the first aromatic steam rising off a bowl to the lingering glow of traditional spices, the experience captures the soulful, high-energy spirit of authentic Thai dining.
• Avlee — Greek · rated 4.6/5: Avlee transports guests to a sun-drenched Mediterranean courtyard where the air is thick with the fragrance of charred oregano and lemon-kissed olive oil. Golden-hued phyllo crunches to reveal savory, herb-flecked fillings, while tender grilled octopus and succulent lamb celebrate the rustic, soul-warming traditions of the Greek islands. This vibrant neighborhood sanctuary invites lingering over shared plates, capturing the essence of a breezy Aegean afternoon in every bite.
• Karazishi Botan — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Karazishi Botan unfolds as a stylish, urban retreat where the soul-warming tradition of ramen is reinvented with a bold, avant-garde flair. Within its chic, industrial-inspired walls, diners discover a symphony of deep umami and playful textures, from silky, innovative broths to artfully plated small bites that dance between classic Japanese techniques and modern global inspiration.
• Nabila's — Middle Eastern · rated 4.6/5: Nabila’s invites diners into a sun-drenched space where the air hums with the fragrance of toasted sesame and the warmth of freshly baked flatbread. Tables overflow with vibrant mezze and slow-simmered stews, each plate a colorful mosaic of tangy sumac, creamy tahini, and tender, spice-rubbed meats. This neighborhood gem captures the soulful essence of Levantine hospitality, blending modern elegance with the comforting, time-honored flavors of a family kitchen.
• Café Mars — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Bathed in the glow of neon and buzzing with a playful, avant-garde energy, this vibrant eatery reimagines the Italian dining experience as a whimsical technicolor dream. The kitchen transforms nostalgic flavors into inventive, artful plates that surprise the palate, inviting diners to linger over bold textures and unexpected twists in a space that feels like a high-spirited dinner party.
• Verde — Mexican · rated 4.5/5: Verde pulses with the vibrant energy of a sun-drenched cantina, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of charred chilies and freshly squeezed lime. Hand-pressed tortillas cradle slow-braised meats and zesty, garden-fresh salsas, while the rhythmic clink of ice in salt-rimmed glasses sets the stage for an evening of bold, authentic flavors. It is a spirited sanctuary where every bright, herbaceous bite and smoky sip of artisanal mezcal brings the soul of Mexico to life.
• Claro — Mexican · rated 4.5/5: Sun-drenched Oaxacan soul fills this rustic sanctuary, where the rhythmic patting of hand-pressed tortillas and the smoky allure of a wood-fired hearth set a soulful, inviting tempo. Rich, velvety moles and charred seasonal treasures celebrate the deep traditions of the Mexican highlands, encouraging guests to linger over artisanal mezcals in a lush, tile-adorned backyard that feels worlds away from the city bustle.
• Boran — Thai · rated 4.5/5: Boran transports guests to the heart of traditional Thailand, where the air is thick with the perfume of crushed lemongrass and the rhythmic sound of a mortar and pestle. Each dish offers a masterclass in balance, layering the sharp tang of lime against the velvety richness of coconut to create a soulful dining experience that honors the deep-rooted heritage of Southeast Asian flavors.
• Awash Ethiopian Restaurant — Ethiopian · rated 4.4/5: Awash transports guests to the heart of East Africa, where the warm glow of the dining room is filled with the intoxicating aroma of roasting coffee and slow-simmering berbere spices. Diners gather around communal platters to tear off pieces of tangy, cloud-like injera, using the traditional flatbread to scoop up vibrant mounds of spicy stews and earthy lentils in a soulful celebration of shared flavors and heritage.
• Maple Domo Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Bathed in the warm glow of amber lights and rich wood accents, this serene haven invites diners to witness the rhythmic precision of master chefs crafting edible art at the polished sushi bar. Each plate is a vibrant canvas where the buttery melt of premium nigiri meets the intricate architecture of signature rolls, celebrating a delicate harmony of time-honored tradition and contemporary flair. It is a space where the quiet ritual of the meal and the bright, clean flavors of the sea create an intimate escape from the bustling world outside.
• Joya — Thai · rated 4.3/5: Joya captures the electric energy of a Thai night market, enveloping guests in a tapestry of aromatic steam, warm lighting, and the irresistible fragrance of fresh basil and galangal. The kitchen artfully navigates the four pillars of Thai flavor—sweet, sour, salty, and spicy—transforming vibrant ingredients into soul-warming curries and zesty stir-fries that dance on the palate.
• N'ata Storia — Italian · rated 4.3/5: N'ata Storia unfolds like a love letter to Neapolitan tradition, where the rhythmic toss of pizza dough and the rich fragrance of bubbling sauces create an atmosphere of rustic elegance. In this vibrant, candlelit haven, every bite captures the sun-drenched essence of the Mediterranean, inviting guests to linger over wine as they weave their own stories into the fabric of a timeless Italian evening.
• Hanco's — Vietnamese · rated 4.3/5: This bustling neighborhood staple hums with a lively energy, drawing diners in with the irresistible aroma of warm, crackling baguettes and fragrant cilantro. The experience centers on a vibrant symphony of textures and tastes, where the sharp tang of pickled vegetables and savory roasted meats are perfectly balanced by the cooling, creamy sweetness of colorful bubble teas.
• Moo Burger — American · rated 4.3/5: Moo Burger captures the heart of the American roadside tradition, where the intoxicating aroma of searing beef and toasted brioche fills a space buzzing with casual, high-energy charm. Each burger is a masterclass in indulgence, featuring hand-pressed patties crowned with molten cheese and crisp garden-fresh toppings, best enjoyed alongside a thick, velvet-smooth milkshake for the ultimate comfort-food escape.